Michael Hickner, an Associate Professor from Penn State University, visited KAUST as part of the CRDF-KAUST-OSR Visiting Scholar Fellowship Program. Hickner specializes in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. The visit was documented with photos by Meres J. Weche. Why it matters: Such programs foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in science and engineering between KAUST and other leading institutions.
Sahika Inal, an assistant professor of bioscience at KAUST, focuses on organic electronic materials for clinical health monitoring. Her research involves finding functional polymers and designing electronic platforms that connect biological systems with electronics. Inal notes that KAUST's facilities and collaborative environment in BESE have been crucial for her research and team growth since 2016. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering interdisciplinary research and attracting talented scientists in the emerging field of bioelectronics.
Scimagine is a KAUST-based startup that provides a cloud-based platform for managing and storing experimental data for material scientists. The platform allows researchers to store, manage, and share their data, as well as create scientific visuals. It addresses the problem of experimental data being hidden in PDF files and not easily searchable. Why it matters: This platform improves data accessibility and collaboration in materials science research, potentially accelerating discovery and innovation in the field.
Dr. Eric Fossum, professor at Dartmouth and inventor of CMOS active pixel image sensors, spoke at KAUST's 2017 Enrichment in the Spring Program. The lecture focused on how to be a successful scientist-entrepreneur. He received a gift from the KAUST Enrichment Programs team. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's efforts to engage with leading international experts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among its researchers and students.
Fred Farina, Chief Innovation Officer at Caltech, spoke at KAUST about commercializing academic research. He emphasized licensing research to corporations and creating startups, highlighting the importance of academic-industry partnerships for transitioning to a knowledge economy in the region. Farina noted that successful technology transfer requires a long-term commitment and a robust ecosystem of venture capital and companies. Why it matters: This highlights the increasing focus on diversifying GCC economies beyond oil through strategic investments in research and technology transfer, with universities playing a central role.
This is an advertisement for KAUST Discovery Associate Professor of Computer Science Ivan Viola. The ad promotes KAUST as a university. Why it matters: This reflects KAUST's ongoing efforts to attract international faculty and promote its research programs.
Ivan Gromicho, a scientific illustrator at KAUST, creates visual representations of complex research findings for journals like Cell, Nature, and Science. He collaborates with KAUST faculty to transform data into comprehensible illustrations. Outside of work, Gromicho pursues rock climbing, exploring natural rock formations across Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's support for interdisciplinary pursuits and employee well-being, fostering innovation at the intersection of science and art.
Sahika Inal is an assistant professor of bioscience at KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division. She is a faculty member at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ongoing investment in attracting research talent in bioscience.